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1923 - 2006
 Virgil ‘Pete’ Gurecki, age 83, of Sheridan, died suddenly and painlessly on Good Friday evening, while enjoying the outdoors and brainstorming a new project with his son. Pete was born February 14, 1923 in Fruitport MI, the son of Stephen and Marianne Oleszwski Gurecki. He married Mary E. Jacobey on April 24, 1948 at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Lansing. Pete was Apparatus Chief for the Lansing Fire Department, where he extensively updated and increased the City’s fleet of fire apparatus and ambulances. He was a veteran of the US Navy Armed Guard, serving in WW II, and an active member of Lester J. Sitts VFW Post #5065 of Sheridan. He dedicated many years to Scouting. A life-long Catholic, Pete belonged to St. Bernadette of Lourdes Church in Stanton, where he and Mary were recently honored for their long-time service and dedication. Throughout his retirement, Pete continued to offer his skills to many friends and family alike, with home remodeling, mechanical assistance and creative trouble-shooting.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary, children Michael and Kathy Gurecki of Williamston, Stephen Gurecki of Hawaii, Timothy and Cathy Gurecki of Sheridan, and Anne Gurecki of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren Jennifer Gurecki, Kim and Rob Sprague, Elle Gurecki, Emileen and Matthew Haskins, Devan Gurecki and Ethan Gurecki; great grandchildren Kelly, Tiler, Noah, Kyle and Payton; sisters Vicki Sturm of Greenville, Bernice and Richard Sebring of Muskegon, brother John and Mary Gurecki of Stanton, “adopted” children Carol Gurecki, Ron Hunt and Paul Crossland, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Stanley, Frank and Leo and sister Ginger Bommarito.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church,922 E. Main St. Stanton, with military honors to follow. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery 2520 W. Willow, Lansing at 1 PM Friday April 21, with Lansing Fire Department Honor Guard. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, with Wake Service at 7:00, at Hurst Funeral Home,1801 W. Washington St.(Hwy M-57)west Greenville, and Thursday at 10:00 at St. Bernadette’s, prior to the funeral.
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There are currently 14 condolences.
Jeff Henderson
jhenders@hudsonville.k12.mi.us
Thursday May 4, 2006 at
7:54 AM
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Dear Aunt Mary,
My deepest sympathies and prayers of comfort are yours as you have had to say good-bye to Uncle Pete. Having read the wonderful tribute to Uncle Pete, I know that you have many outstanding memories of your days together. Uncle Pete was obviously a very well-respected man - and I pray those memories will sustain you now and always.
Love, grace, and strength to you,
Respectfully,
Jeff
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Pam and Robin Luce
lucefamily@chartermi.net
Sunday April 30, 2006 at
3:40 PM
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Dear Aunt Mary, Annie and family~ We were saddened to learn of Uncle Pete's passing. Please know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry we weren't aware in time to join you for the services. Fred and Sharron (Henderson) send their condolences as well. May God grant the peace and comfort you will need in the coming days. We are grateful for the life of Uncle Pete, and the love and service he offered while he was here with us. Love, Pam and Robin and family
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Cathy West
Sunday April 30, 2006 at
3:36 PM
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Dear Mary and Family~ My deepest sympathies on the passing of Uncle Pete. You, as always, are in my thoughts and prayers. Love as always- Cathy West
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Billy Gordon, Captain, USMC
Monday April 24, 2006 at
2:06 PM
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. I am very glad we got to see you all and "Grandpa Pete" at Ashlie's reception. I will never forget my summers at the lake or his stories of his time in the Navy.
God Bless and Semper Fi.
Billy
(Ron's Boy)
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Robert Brown Jr. NREMT-P, Firefighter
Thursday April 20, 2006 at
7:29 AM
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A Fallen Firefighters Prayer:
Brother, when you weep for me,
Remember that it was meant to be.
Lay me down and when you leave,
Remember I’ll be at your sleeve.
In every dark and choking hall,
I’ll be there as you slowly crawl.
On every roof in driving snow,
I’ll hold your coat, and you will know.
In cellars hot with searing heat,
At windows where a gate you meet.
In closets where young children hide,
You know I’ll be there at your side
The House from which I now respond,
Is overstaffed with heroes gone.
Men and women who answered one last bell,
Did the job and did it well.
As Firefighters we understand,
That death’s a card dealt in our hand.
A card we hope we never play,
But one we hold there anyway.
That card is something we ignore,
As we crawl across a weakened floor.
For we know that we’re the only prayer,
For anyone that might be there.
So remember as you wipe your tears,
The joy I knew throughout the years.
As I did the job I loved to do,
I pray that thought will see you through.
--Unkown--
May god comfort your family. He shall be missed.
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Niki King
Wednesday April 19, 2006 at
7:34 PM
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You don't know me. Your son Mike is my Uncle. Kathy is my Mom's sister. I am so sorry. You have been on my thoughts. I have prayed that God will comfort you during this time. I am truly sorry.
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Gerry Finch
Wednesday April 19, 2006 at
12:41 AM
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Vicki, I was sorry to hear of your brothers passing. You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts.
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Randy and Gaylia Ross
Tuesday April 18, 2006 at
4:30 PM
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My prayers are with you. I'll see you on Thursday.
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Cheri & Dave Arning
Tuesday April 18, 2006 at
12:15 PM
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I've known the Gurecki Family as part of Ron & Sherry Hunt's dearest and loved extended family for many years. I will always have fond memories of our times celebrating one thing or another with the whole family. I was so thrilled to see the family at Ashlie's wedding reception. What a joyful and loving man. He will be missed and always remembered. God bless and keep his family in peace at this time. Lovingly,
Cheri
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Kristin Doyle (Accident Fund)
Tuesday April 18, 2006 at
8:51 AM
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Kim and family ~ My condolences to you all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and may your grandpa rest in peace.
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Susan Gisholt
Monday April 17, 2006 at
9:46 PM
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Kim:
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. He sounds like he was quite a person. My grandpa died yesterday. We should get a coffee soon and trade stories.
Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Susan
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jerry&joyce reyes&family
Monday April 17, 2006 at
6:48 PM
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Sending our deepest sympathy for the lost of your loved one.
God bless you and your family.
for pete will always be in our hearts and prayers.
reyes family
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Chuck and Dianne Schieltz
Monday April 17, 2006 at
11:49 AM
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Pete will be greatly missed by
all who knew him. It always made
us feel good just to see him around
and about. May God Bless
Mary and all the family and friends
Pete left behind.
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Chuck and Dianne Schieltz
Monday April 17, 2006 at
11:43 AM
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